Sequence type electrical combination lock



Sept 1I, 19u56 l H. H. BRUDERLIN SEQUENCE TYPE ELECTRICAL COMBINATIONLOCK Filed April ll. 1952 f/ E m United States Patent O SEQUENCE TYPEELESIIICAL COMBINATION Henry H. Bruderlin, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Application April 11, 1952, Serial No. 281,921

2 Claims. (Cl. 317-134) This invention relates to combination locksystems for preventing operation of a device by any but authorizedpersonnel.

It generally consists of an electrical-sequence type combination locksystem of the kind in which a plurality of circuits must be closed in apredetermined order and combination so as to actuate a sequence typemasterswitch actuator through successive stages thereof and ultimatelycause it to close an energizing circuit through an electromagnetictransducer. The transducer may be adapted to operate a plunger, a rotor,a mechanical movement or an electrical, extraneous circuit or anelectrical device.

In order to adapt this general concept to actuate closure-locks,ignition locks, firing device locks, chainreaction generators and otherinstrumentalities the operation of which is restricted to authorizedpersonnel, the preferred form of the invention makes use of anelectromechanical transducer associated with the ultimate plunger,rotor, mechanical movement or extraneous electrical circuit thatcontrols the operation of the closure, engine, gun, or atomic pile. Thetransducer of course includes an electromagnetic means having a magnetwinding connected to an energy source; and an electromagnet actuatingcircuit in series with this winding and with the source, and associatedwith the sequence-type master switch-actuator. This circuit isassociated with the aforesaid actuator by an actuating switch adapted tobe closed by the actuators reaching its final position.

The master switch-actuator is moved into its final position in a seriesof steps of movements inparted thereto by mechanical means repeatedlyactuated by the successive closing of energizing switches in circuits inseries with the source and with electro-magnetic means for operatingsaid mechanical means. The configuration is such that these switchesmust be closed in a predetermined order and combination known only toauthorized personnel in order to move the switch-actuator into its finalposition and thereby close the circuit through the electromechanicaltransducer.

In one of the presently contemplated embodiments, the masterswitch-actuator consists of a torsion-loaded rotor sequentially movableinto its final position by means of a ratchet on the rotor or drum and apawl associated with a solenoid, operated by a plurality of mutuallyindependent series stepping circuits each having a finger switchsuccessively closable according to a predetermined combination-code tobring an actuator or button on the drum finally into circuit closingcontact with the juxtaposed transducer-activating switch. Adrum-actuatable, shorting type switch is provided in each of theplurality of circuits for successive actuation by buttons peripherallyand axially spaced at predetermined intervals on the periphery of thedrum. The finger-switches and the drum actuatable switches are of coursein series in each of these circuits so that both must be closed tocomplete the respective circuits.

Thus, closing the corresponding finger switch will com- Patented Sept.11, 1956 plete a circuit through the stepping solenoid and rotate thedrum to its next position, so that actuation of the finger-switchesthrough the full combination sequence to its final position will causethe final actuator on the drum to close the circuit that energizes theelectromechanical transducer and move the ultimate plunger, rotor, ormechanical movement, or close the extraneous electrical circuit.

After the last linger switch in the combination-sequence has beenpressed and released and the latch or the like retracted or otherwisemoved to release the closure or activate the extraneous electricalcircuit, other means automatically re-set the device to its startingposition for the next operation of the device. To this end circuits areprovided whereby the release of the last 1inger-switch pressed will openthe last circuit remaining closed through the solenoid of the steppingrelay, inactivating same and allowing the stepping pawl-springassociated therewith to withdraw the pawl from association with thedrums ratchet. Movement of the drum to its final position in response toactuation of the last finger switch in the sequence establishes acircuit which eiifects retraction of the plunger of the release solenoidand inactivation of the drums counter-rotation preventing pawl connectedthereto. After the stepping pawl is withdrawn, the drum-return torsionspring associated with the drum then rotates the drum incounter-direction and into its original attitude wherein thelatch-retracting circuit, for example, is in open condition and thelatch or the like extends into the socket in the closure-jamb- Unlessthe proper finger-switch is actuated, the drumtype masterswitch-actuator returns automatically to its zero position or remainsinactive. For, if the improper button operating a finger-switch ispressed, a circuit is established through the closed branch of theshorting-type switch connected to this button-switch, and through thelock-in switch and circuit of the release solenoid to withdraw its pawlfrom the drums ratchet. Therefore, unless the drum is still in theinitial or zero position, it will be freed to return thereto in responseto the force of its torsion spring.

If a correct finger-switch is pressed along with one which is not inproper combination sequence with the first-said switch, whicheverfinger-switch is pressed first kicks the other ofic the line. Thus, thecircuit legs of the erroneous finger-switch circuit will, if it isclosed just ahead of the correct switch, act to effect the sameunlocking action on the stepping solenoid and the same returning actionwill be applied to the drum by its torsionspring. On the other hand, ifthe correct switch is closed first, the closing of the erroneous switchwill have no effect.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the principles of theinvention are equally applicable to restrict to authorized personnelonly, the actuation of any sort of electro-mechanical transducer whichmay reciprocate, rotate, or otherwise move its core to unlock a closure,close an external electrical or hydraulic circuit, or operate amechanical movement. It thus is adapted to lock a closure, such as ahouse door or bank vault; lock an ignition system in any type ofignition-combustion engine, and prevent operation of secret or dangerousdevices the operation of which is restricted to authorized personnel.

Since the number and location of the actuators or buttons on the drummay be easily changed at will, it is apparent that the inventionprovides a combination lock in which the number of digits in thecombination as well as their sequence may be readily altered as desired.

Although the inventive concepts may assume many forms, in the interestsof brevity and clarity only one of these forms is disclosed in detailherein. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may beembodied in any desired configuration lying within Vthe scope of thesub-joined claims, and that the disclosure of the embodiment illustratedin the accompanying drawing and described hereinafter in conjunctiontherewith in no wise limits the invention under the scope of the claims.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a perspective and diagrammatic view of the device, the drummaster-switch actuator, the drumactuatable switches, the stepping andrelease solenoids and their associated parts being shown in perspectiveand the finger switches and all electrical circuits being showndiagrammatically; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic vertical elevation of the drum-type masterswitch-actuator, the various positions of effective rotation occupiableby same being designated at the bottom edge of the drum.

The construction shown comprises a pair of supply conductors 8 receivingelectrical energy, preferably from a source, not shown, of ll() v. A. C.Circuit 8 is associated with a step-down transformer 9 which reduces theinput voltage to 1S v. A. C., in the house door-lock embodiment shown.The one terminal of the transformer secondary is return-connected byconductors 10 and 12 to the coil of an electro-mechanical transducer 11,which is energized by a conductor 71. Terminal 16 ties to a bus typeconductor 12. The other leg 13 of the secondary is connected by aconductor 14 to the one side of each of four finger-switches A, B, C andD.

A drum type master switch-actuator 15 is rotatably mounted in suitablebearings 16 at each end and is torsionloaded by a torsion spring 17attached at one end to the shaft and at the other end to an abutment.

As shown in Figure 2, the drum-actuator bears on its periphery aplurality of circumferential rows of apertures 101, the rows beingspaced vertically. ln certain apertures are removably mounted pins 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 or other protruding members, so that the lockcombination may be altered at will by merely shifting the pins. Asshown, the drum can occupy six rotational positions. Additionalpositions may be provided as desired. The top pin 24, when in its finalrotative position, causes the operation of the transducer 11, and to`Vbring 24 into operation, all the remaining pins must first have beenbrought into operation. These node members include two pins 22 and 23 inthe rst longitudinal row from the right side edge of the rotor .as itappears in Figures l and 2, a pin 21 in the second such row, a pin 19 inthe third row, a pin 13 in the fourth row, a pin 2% in the fifth row anda pin 24 in the sixth row. Pin 24 may be moved from the position shownto positions in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions in that row, or anyhigher numbered position (not shown), thereby changing the number offactors in the secret combination. Pin 23 must remain in position l, forits purpose is to open the electrical circuit locking in the releasesolenoid, as later explained. The other pins may be arranged at will toproduce a variety of combinations.

A branch conductor 25 connects the one side of stepping solenoid 26 withbus 12 and a branch conductor 27 connects the one side of releasesolenoid 28 with bus 12.

From its junction with bus conductor 14, a conductor path 29 branches toconnection with the outer leaf 31 of a drum-actuated switch F. Thisswitch is of the double-pole, single-throw, leaf type in that, inclosing, leaf 36 first moves toward center leaf 102 and then the two, 36and 102, close onto leaf 31, thus closing several circuits by the onemovement. Conductor 29 also connects to the inner leaf 32 of a switch E.

The outer leaf 33 of switch E connects to a contact 34 of the releasesolenoid group 28 through conductor nects through a path 37-87 to thecontact 86 of group 4 28. Switch F is not normally in contact with thebutton 24 of the drum.

Four other switches 39, 41, 42 and 43 are provided in alignment with Eand F and are operatively associatable, respectively in sequence withthe buttons 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 on the drum. Switches 39, 41, 42 and43 are of the shorting type in which the middle leaf moves from theinner leaf toward the outer leaf until the latter makes close contactand the inner leaf subsequently loses contact. Center leaf 44 of switch39 is connected in series with finger-switch A through conductor 45.Switch A is connected with the energy source through conductor paths 46,14, and 13.

Finger switch B is connected with the energy source through conductor 47and bus bars 14 and 13; and is connected with the center leaf 48 of drumswitch 41 through a conductor 49. Finger switch C is similarly connectedto the energy source through conductor 51 and is connected with thecenter leaf 52 of switch 42 through a conductor 53. Similarly, ngerswitch D is connected to the energy source through a conductor 54 andconnected to the center leaf 55 of drum switch 43 through a conductor56.

The inner leaves 57, 53, 59 and 61 of the switches 39, 41, 42 and 43 areconnected in parallel through a conductor 62 to the contact arm 63 ofthe stepping solenoid 26, and the outer leaves 64, 65, 66 and 67 ofswitches 39, 41, 42 and 43 are connected in parallel, via a conductor 63to the contact 38 of the release solenoid. The center leaf 102 of switchF is connected via a conductor 71 to the coil of the electro-mechanicaltransducer 11.

In further detail, the stepping solenoid comprises an electro-magnet '72having a clapper 73 pivoted to the magnet housing and loaded by a spring74. The opposite end of the clapper is bent to constitute a pawl 75 forengaging and actuating a ratchet 76 on the shaft of the drum typeswitch-actuator 15. The contact arm 63 is disposed in close adjacency toclapper 73 and is insulated therefrom by a block 76. The lower end ofarm 63 is adapted, on respective occasions, to make contact with eitherthe outer contact 78 or the inner contact 79 associated with the arm 63.The latter contact '79 is connected in branch circuit, via a conductor81 to the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid 26 and said contact 79 isalso connected via conductor 82 to a contact arm 83 of Vthe releasesolenoid 28 for a purpose later explained.

The release solenoid group 23 includes a clapper 84 pivotally associatedtherewith and conventionally insulated at its lower end from the twopivoted contact arms 83 and 85 which are also insulated from each other.At its upper end, arm S3 is adapted to make and break contact withcontact 38, which, via conductor 68, is connected to the outer leaves ofdrum switches 39, 41, 42 and 43. Contact arm 85 of the release solenoidgroup is adapted to make contact, through point 34, with a contact 86which, via conductors 87 and 37, connects to the inner leaf 36 of drumswitch F. Contact 86 also connects through'conductors 87 and 88 to theouter contact member 78 of the stepping solenoid. In divided circuitthrough a conductor 89, contact 86 also connects with the'releasesolenoids coil. The other side of the 'last said coil connects viaconductors 91, 27 and 25 with the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid.

The spring loaded pawl 75 is pivoted in normal idling Vengagement withthe ratchet 76 of the drum, which in V periphery of the drum near theone end thereof, and adapted to engage stop S.

The device shown in the accompanying drawings operates as follows:

With the supply circuit 8 completed through the transformer 9, astepped-down voltage is supplied from the low side thereof through theconductor path 13 to the bus 14. The other leg 10 of the secondary isconnected to the coil of the transducer 11, and, via conductors 12 and25, is connected to the one side of the coil 72 of the stepping solenoid26. Leg 10 also is connected through conductors 27 and 91 to the coil ofthe release solenoid 28.

The conductor path 13 furnishes energy to the one side of each of thefinger-switches A, B, C and D and, in divided circuit through conductor29, passes to the inner leaf 32 of drum switch E and the outer leaf 31of drum switch F.

Assuming the drum to be operable by the code D, C, B, A, B to be in itsfirst, or starting position as shown in Figure l, with nger switch Dactuated, the outer end of the center leaf 55 of drum switch 43 and ofleaf 33 of drum-switch E are held by pins 22 and 23 on the drum out oftheir normal contacts with the inner leaves of their respective switchesand into actuated positions. Energy will thus pass through closedlinger-switch D, conductor 56, through leaves 55 and 67, to busconductor 68, through closed contacts 38 and 83 of the release solenoidgroup 28, thence through conductors 82 and 81 to energize the steppingsolenoid 26. Solenoid 26 draws the clapper 73 and pawl 75 activatinglyagainst the ratchet 76 and turns the drum clockwise one notch, placingthe switch actuator drum in the second position in which drum switch 42is activated. This action de-activates drum switches 43 and E and opensthe immediately used circuits. When switch 43 is de-activated, centerleaf 55 thereof completes a circuit through leaf 61, conductor 62, 63,and 79 and conductor path 81. Thus the stepping solenoid is locked-inand remains so as long as finger switch D remains closed. Similarlocking-in action of the stepping solenoid occurs upon the actuation ofthe other finger-switches.

In the second position, since finger-switch C has been closed, switch 42has the lower end of its center leaf 52 held against its outer leaf 66similarly to that which occurred just previously with switch 43, thisaction energizing the stepping solenoid from closed switch C andconductor 53 through leaf 66 and conductor path 68, through contacts 38and 83 (adjacent solenoid 28), thence to the stepping solenoid throughconductor 82, thence through conductor 81 and to coil 72. Thisenergization effects rotation of the drum clockwise to the thirdposition, releasing drum switch 42 and thereby opening all the circuitswhich have just been activated. Concurrently, thesepactions activatedrum switch 41. Simultaneously, the stepping solenoid is locked-in tothe stepping solenoid through leaf 59, conductor 62, contacts 63 and 79and conductor path 81. Actuation of switch 41 effects actuation ofsolenoid 26 through conductors 47 and 49 which supply energy from fingerswitch B through switch leaves 48 and 65 and thence through conductorpath 68, contacts 38 and 83 and conductor paths 82-81. Actuation ofsolenoid 26 causes the pawl 75 to step the ratchet 76 one notch, turningdrum 15 clockwise to the fourth position, which action concurrentlyreleases drum switch 41 opens all the immediately foregoing circuits,-locks-in the stepping solenoid as it was locked in previously, and urgesthe middle leaf 44 of drum switch 39 against the outer leaf 64 thereof.The circuit thus established, when switch A is closed, energizes thestepping solenoid by means of energy supplied from switch A by theconductor 45 which takes current to and through conductor 68, throughwhich latter it passes to contacts 38 and 83. Current is also passedthrough conductor 82 via conductor 81 to coil 72.

The pawl 75 steps the ratchet 76 one notch and ro` tates the drumclockwise to the fth position, concurrently releasing drum switch 39,opening the immediately preceding circuits, locking-in the steppingsolenoid as aforedescribed, and re-activating drum switch 41, the fifthunit in the code-combination. Actuation of switch 41 energizes thestepping solenoid through conductors 49 and 48 from now re-closed fingerswitch B, the same circuit then being established through bus conductor68, contacts 38 and 83 and conductors 82 and 81. The actuation of thesolenoid 26 causes the pawl 75 to move the ratchet 76 and the lattermoves the drum clockwise to the siXth position, concurrently releasingdrum switch 41, opening the immediately aforesaid circuits and actuatingdrum switch F. Concurrently, the circuits that lock-in the steppingsolenoid are re-established and energized, as, and for the purposes mademanifest several times hereinabove.

Such actions energize the coil of the electro-mechanical transducer 11,doing so by current passed through leaves 31 and 102 and conductor path7l. Said actions concurrently energize release solenoid 28 throughleaves 31 and 36 and through conductor paths 37, 87, 89, 91, 27, 12 and10. However the drum will be held in its last stepped position by pawl75 so long as the finger switch B is held closed.

Contacts 34 and 86, being now closed, and leaves 32 and 33 of switch Ebeing in Contact, a circuit is now completed through conductors 10, 12,27, and 91, coil 28, and conductors 89, 35, 29, and 13, which locks inthe release solenoid 28.

Energization of solenoid 28 effects retraction of pawl 92 and when thefinger switch is released, pawl 75 is also freed and the drum is freedfor rotation counter-clockwise by spring 17. This spring thus returnsdrum 15 to its starting position.

When the drum returns `to its initial position, pin 23 will -break thelock-in circuit through leaves 32 and 33 and the lock-in will thereby bereleased so that all elements will then be returned to their startingpositions.

it is to be noted `that whenever the release coil is energized, contacts38 and 83 are opened, and thus, by breaking the circuit throughconductors 82 and 81, prevent ratchet operation. Whenever the ratchetcoil 72 is energized, contacts 78 and 63 are opened, breaking thecircuit through conductors 88, 87 and 89 and preventing operation of therelease solenoid 28.

When the finger-switches are pressed in an order different from thepredetermined code order, the release solenoids coil will be energized.lier example, if finger switch A is erroneously pressed first, since pin18 is not contacting switch 39, a circuit is established fromfingerswitch A through conductor 45 to .the leaf 4d and the inner leafand path 57 of drum switch 39; thence through conductor 62 to arm 63adjacent the stepping solenoid; to contact 78; and through conductors88, 87 and 89 to the release solenoid 28. lf finger switch B is pressedfirst, current passes from finger switch B, through conductor 49, drumswitch 41, inner leaf 58; conductor 62 to contact arms 63 and 78; thencethrough conductors 88, S7 and 89 to the release coil, disengaging therelease pawl. Similar action also occurs if linger switch C is pressedfirst or if any finger switch is pressed when its corresponding drumactuated switch is not engaged by the appropriate actuating pin. ln anycase, both pawls 75 and 92 being now disengaged, the torsion springreturns the drum to its initial or starting position so that there is nopossibility of the continued pressing of finger switches building up bychance to the proper combination. Unless the proper finger switch ispressed first, and unless all subsequent pressings are of the properswitch in the proper combination sequence, the transducer' 11 cannot beoperated.

The pins or buttons 24 etc. are detachably mounted 7 in the drum so thatthe pin which operates the drum switch F, for instance, may be removedfrom its shown position and inserted in an aperture in other suitablepositions, such as rows 2, 3, 4, or 5, or any higher numbered row,thereby changing the combination without notice to other parties, bychanging the number of switches in the combination required Ito actuatethe lock release. The next pin 23 must remain in the position shown,since it is for the purpose of operating drum switch E and opening thelock-in contacts 34 and 86 for the release solenoid and allowing therelease solenoid to open when the drum has returned to its initial ornumber 1 position. The other ve pins can be distributed over the rstfive positions, or rows, in accordance with Whatever combination isdesired.

It is manifest from the foregoing description of the configuration andoperation of the invention as applied to a reciprocatable door-lockelement that the principles of the invention may, by means of changesinvolving only slight alterations of the parts, and circuits, and theirrelative arrangements and coaction, be satisfactorily applied to thecontrol of the actuation of rotary locks, ignition locks for engines,burners, furnaces and the like; to the tiring or projecting devices ofrocket guns; to missile projectors tiring circuits and the like, and infact, to substantially any electro-mechanical transducer-operateddevice, the operation of which is to be restricted to authorizedpersonnel.

It is also within the scope of the invention, in order to prevent thepremature detonation of a guided missile or the like by an enemy beforeit reaches its target, to employ herein, instead of the finger-switchesA, B, C, and D, conventional relays actuated remotely by radiotransmitters located on the ground. All the other circuitry, and thestepping and release solenoids, remain identical with those shown inFigure 1. Thus, operation of the transmitters, either directly at theairfield or from remote oliice stations by means of electronic relaysand only in accordance with the secret code would, as hereinabove,rotate the drum-type switch actuator until the circuit of theelectro-mechanical transducer 11 that operates the bolt for detonatingthe missiles primer cap, would detonate the missile. Hence, onlyauthorized personnel having knowledge of the correct code-combination,would be able to detonate the missile, and would do so only when same ison the enemy target.

I claim:

1. A code-combination controlled electro-mechanical system for closingan ultimate circuit that is closable only when the codedcontrol-elements of the system are operated in accordance with saidcode, comprising: an electrical energy source; an ultimate circuitconnected at one end to said source, and the other end of said circuitincluding a mechanically responsive switch actuatable to close thecircuit; a stepping rotor; an abutment carried by said rotor and adaptedto mechanically actuate said switch upon movement of said rotor througha predetermined number of steps; a plurality of additional abutmentscarried on the periphery of said rotor at predetermined locationsthereon to arrive at their actuating positions in a predeterminedsequence upon successive stepping of said rotor; electro-mechanicalmeans to sequentially move said rotor through said predetermined numberof steps; means to urge said rotor in a counterrotating direction toreturn to its initial position; second electro-mechanical means normallyengaging said rotor to prevent counter-rotation thereof and actuatableto release said rotor for counter-rotation; a plurality of dual switchesiixedly located in predetermined order in proximity to the periphery ofsaid rotor and in position to be actuated by said abutments in saidpredetermined sequence; a rst switch element of each of said dualswitches being normally closed and being in circuit with said electricalenergy source and with said second, electromechanical, release means; asecond switch element of each of said dual switches being normally openand being in circuit with said electrical energy source and with saidiirst, electro-mechanical, stepping means; and a separate,manually-operable, stepping switch in circuit with each of said dualswitches and with said electrical source; whereby each of said pluralityof abutments, when in its actuating position Will close itscorresponding second switch element and open its corresponding firstswitch element and closing of the predetermined manuallyoperablestepping switch willclose the stepping circuit and advance the rotor onestep; and conversely closing of any other stepping switch will close thecircuit through a corresponding first switch element, the electricalenergy source, and the release means to release the rotor forcounter-rotation to its initial position.

2. In a code-combination controlled electro-mechanical system forclosing an ultimate circuit, an electrical energy source; a steppingmaster control means; means carried thereby to close said ultimatecircuit upon completion of a predetermined number of steps; steppingmeans to advance said master control means in a predetermined direction;release means to selectively hold said master control means at each stepof its advance and to release it to return to its initial position; aplurality of independent stepping circuits and release circuits; aseparate manuallyoperable switch common to each pair consisting of onestepping circuit and one release circuit; said release circuits beingnormally closed and said stepping circuits being normallyopen; and meanscarried by said master control means to open one release circuit andclose one stepping circuit of a pair at each step of its advance, in apredetermined coded order; said stepping means being actuatable by eachcompleted stepping circuit and said release means being actuatable byeach completed release circuit; whereby closing of the propermanually-operable switch Will complete the stepping circuit closed bysaid master control means and actuate the stepping means to cause saidmaster control means to advance one step, and closing of any othermanually-operable switch Will complete a release circuit and actuate therelease means to permit said master control means to return to itsinitial position.

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